Our Story

About Giordanos & the
giordano's Legacy

Five decades of passion, tradition, and the finest deep dish pizza crafted with love in Glenview, Illinois. Discover what makes giordanos a landmark destination.

The giordano's Story — From Italy to Illinois

The story of Giordanos begins in the heart of Italy, where the Giordano family perfected their legendary stuffed pizza recipe over generations. In 1974, brothers Efren and Joseph Giordano brought that cherished tradition to the shores of America, opening their first restaurant and introducing Chicago to the authentic taste of giordano's deep dish pizza.

What began as a small neighborhood eatery quickly became a beloved institution. The secret? A commitment to using only the freshest ingredients, a proprietary dough recipe handed down through family, and a preparation process that takes nearly an hour — because great pizza cannot be rushed.

Today, giordanos continues that tradition at our Glenview, IL location, welcoming guests who travel from across the United States to experience the pizza that started it all. Every pie is still crafted by hand, every sauce made fresh daily, and every bite delivers the same joy that built our legacy.

50+
Years of Tradition
1M+
Pizzas Served
4.9
Average Rating
12+
Awards Won
giordano's authentic deep dish pizza being crafted in the Giordanos kitchen
Established Since 1974

Our Mission at Giordanos

"To honor the authentic giordano's tradition by delivering unforgettable food experiences — crafted with integrity, served with warmth, and shared with the communities we love."

— The Giordano Family

The Core Values of giordanos

Everything we do at Giordanos is guided by four fundamental principles that have defined our brand for over five decades.

Freshness First

We source the finest, freshest ingredients daily — from vine-ripened tomatoes to premium Wisconsin mozzarella — because quality starts long before the oven.

Craftsmanship

Every giordano's pizza is handmade with care, following time-honored techniques that cannot be shortcut. Real craft takes time — and we take the time.

Community

Giordanos is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We're proud to serve the Glenview, IL community and give back through local partnerships and events.

Hospitality

From the moment you walk in to the last bite, our team is dedicated to making every guest feel like family. Warm, genuine hospitality is our highest priority.

Five Decades of giordano's Excellence

From a single storefront to an iconic landmark — trace the milestones that shaped the giordanos legacy.

1974

The Beginning — First Doors Open

Brothers Efren and Joseph Giordano open the very first Giordanos location in Chicago's South Side, introducing their grandmother's stuffed pizza recipe to America. Lines stretch around the block on opening day.

1980

Recognition — Chicago's Best Pizza Award

Giordanos earns its first "Best Pizza in Chicago" recognition from the Chicago Tribune, cementing giordano's deep dish as the city's most iconic culinary export. National media coverage follows.

1991

Expansion — Growing the giordanos Family

With demand soaring, Giordanos expands to multiple Chicagoland locations, bringing the beloved giordano's pizza experience to the suburbs. The Glenview location opens to immediate acclaim.

2004

Innovation — Menu Diversification

Honoring customer requests, Giordanos expands its menu to include signature pasta dishes, handcrafted salads, and gluten-friendly options — all prepared with the same artisanal care as the famous deep dish.

2015

Digital — Online Ordering Launches

Giordanos embraces the digital era, launching online ordering and delivery services. Fans across the US can now have authentic giordano's pizza delivered directly to their door — fresh, hot, and perfect.

2024

50th Anniversary — Celebrating a Legacy

Giordanos celebrates 50 years of deep dish pizza excellence, honoring the Giordano family heritage with a year-long anniversary celebration and the unveiling of new signature menu items inspired by the original 1974 recipes.

The Faces Behind Giordanos

Our passionate team brings decades of culinary expertise and genuine love for giordano's cuisine to every single dish we serve.

Marco Giordano

Executive Chef & Co-Founder

Third-generation pizzaiolo who trained in Naples before bringing his mastery to Glenview. Marco personally oversees every batch of dough, ensuring giordano's perfection in every crust.

Sofia Ricci

Head Chef — Pasta & Sauces

With 18 years of professional cooking experience, Sofia crafts the housemade sauces and fresh pasta that elevate Giordanos beyond pizza. Her signature marinara is made from scratch every morning.

James Thornton

General Manager

James ensures every guest leaves with a smile. With 12 years at Giordanos, he's the heartbeat of our front-of-house operations and the reason our hospitality consistently earns five-star reviews.

Elena Vasquez

Sous Chef — Giordanos Pizza

Elena spent two years perfecting the giordanos stuffed pizza technique under Marco's mentorship. Now she leads our morning prep team, ensuring the dough, cheese, and fillings meet our legendary standards daily.

Want to be part of the Giordanos family?

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Experience authentic deep dish pizza made with over 50 years of passion and tradition. Order Now for pickup or delivery.